Well... fired up my new/used pair of SE83CSM monoblocks this weekend, and I got to tell you, I'm impressed. I didn't think they would drive my Von Schweirkert VR3 speakers, but BOY...was I wrong. Not only did they drive the speakers, on some sources, I don't miss any of the slam, bass, soundstaging, or nuances of my Krell intergrated at all... and that was a 150+ WPC SS unit!!! With my VPI Scout as the source, the air, articulation, and macro dynamics are all there. I'm just waiting for them to break in for the micro dynamics.

The one dissapointment is my Meridian 588 CD player. I hear a harsh truncation in the treble that almost sound as though the amp is clipping. Maybe more time with break in will help...at least that's my story and i'm stickin' to it.

My other source is a Magnum Dynalab FT 101 Tuner which has been upgraded to an Etude and it sound as good as the Scout right now. Again, with some more break in time, things may even out.

All in all, I'm very pleased with the amps. As noted in another topic, the input tubes are different in these amps, and I am researching my alternatives to even out the playing field, so to speak. I'll continue to update everyone on what I do and hear.

Any comments or suggestions are welcome, and I'll be posting pictures soon.

Dan

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I think I put this post on the wrong forum...so here it is. Let me know what you think.

The 6N1P is my favorite. I think that is what Steve primarily voiced the amp with, but could be wrong with that. I find them the most neutral, natrural, and transparent. The 6922s are zingy in comparison, and the 6dj8 or whatever are kind of whispy, but the 6N1P is 'just right'. (I'm using SE84C, but the input tubes should have the same characteristics in the Selects.)

That's been my findings as well with both the SV83 and the EL34 amps. There are three or four different "schools" of 6N1P tube sound I've discovered. I usually use what I think are military versions. I've been listening to a pair of these recently that sound different than my previous pairs. They're a bit more "thick" sounding in taht there's not that huge open deep midrange, it's more "phono" sounding to me, but quite pleasant. Took quite some time for the bass to come in, maybe because of the cryo treatment?